Jacqueline from Ashland, PA

Many safety features on campus and the security patrols are often seen walking about. There are numerous security features at each dorm and along campus if you should need assistance.

Great for these types of students

This campus is great if you want more personalized attention and do not want to just be a face in a large classroom.

Bang for the buck

This all depends on your major. I am a pharmacy major so I didn't have many choices of which school offered this. I would much rather be closer to home that find myself in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.

What to do for fun

There are many activities in and around campus. Wilkes Barre is a decent size city but the campus has its own activities that are fun to participate in. There is a mall nearby, a movie theatre, the Kirby Center where they have various shows in town. There are campus days scheduled throughout the year and have school sponsored sports to also get involved in.

Food and Dining

Food is good and there are many choices and alternative that just one cafeteria. You will definitely not go hungry.

Dorm Life

All the amenities of home with lots of friends. I have found like minded students who want to have fun but also know the importance of studying.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging but not unconquerable.

Tips for prospective students

Keep up your grades and prepare to find that you will be continuously challenged but with see that you have support from other students and staff members.

In three sentences

Fantastic school with a small but quality campus. The professors are personable and caring. Security and food are both top notch!

Scarlin from Wilkes Barre, PA

If you are friendly and love learning about other cultures,Wilkes is for you. If you love a peaceful and stable environment ,Wilkes is for you.

What to do for fun

I always volunteer,love helping others and just making people smile. Wilkes have a lot of activities as well,I try to attend most of them. The YMCA is also like my second home, I have fun but at the same time is a necessity.

Food and Dining

The food and dining is excellent. The quality is great, and it is very organized and clean. The environment is comfortable, and staff very friendly.

Dorm Life

I do not dorm, but what I can say of you can afford to dorm do it. Students that forgave a lot of friends and mot likely help each other out when it comes to studying or helping other adapt to the new environment. It's easier to adapt and grow as a group than on your own.

Academic Rigor

As a student, I can say that Wilkes student are very focus. If you observe the environment, you notice most students are always at the library.Most people I have met at the school work hard.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be shy and get involved.If you feel out of place,talk to someone. Comunicationis very important,interact with others. Staying focus academically is important,but always try and do something.

In three sentences

Wilkes Univeristy is a excellent school,the professors and staff are very nice.The students are friendly and very active.Wilkes helps students develop and learn,not only academically but socially and mentally.

Eli

05/06/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 of 27

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

You are in a city, so there is always crime. The school has hired security guards to keep you safe. They wonder around campus and will also walk with you if you are nervous walking somewhere alone. They also have a safe ride program which will pick you up and bring you back to campus so you do not drive drunk.

Greek Life

No Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

They have any club you want to join. If they do not have it, you can easily start it. They are open to any new club ideas. All the clubs help plan activities so the school is full of different things happening all the time.

What to do for fun

The campus is within walking distance of the movie theater and downtown Wilkes Barre. The school sells discounted movie tickets and gives out free bowling passes. The school itself always has something going on though. They have singers come perform concerts. They rent skating rinks out. Arts and crafts day, and so much more. They believe that students need a way to relax and that they're paying for that as well.

Food and Dining

The food is actually pretty good. We have a couple main choices everyday to choose from. And that is just in our main cafeteria. We also have three smaller cafeterias spread out on campus. They have sandwiches and other foods so if you do not have time to have a sit down meal you can grab something and go.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms on campus. We have resident halls instead. Dorms can be many different styles. Mansion style is like living in a home. They actually are renovated homes and walking in will make you feel at home. There are apartment style dorms. These are actual apartment buildings the school bought. The apartments can have up to four people and are a very popular choice.

Academic Rigor

Academics are first at Wilkes. Sports teams all have to have good grades to make and stay on the teams. If you have a big test coming up there is a good chance your coach will understand why you are missing. Clubs are open for anyone and again it is assumed that you will only go to meetings when they do not interfere with schoolwork. The tutoring services on campus are open and easy to schedule. The work is challenging but everyone helps you to succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus and take a tour. You will get to experience the food in our cafeteria. You will feel welcomed on campus because of the atmosphere. Ask questions to everyone. Your tour guide will show you an actual bedroom. There are no show rooms on campus. Everything is real. What you see is really what you get.

In three sentences

A friendly welcoming campus that will help you to succeed. They put their students first in everything. They have events going on all year.

john from Valley Stream, NY

03/24/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 of 27

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

public safety has recently gotten some big upgrades such as a couple new vehicles, new members, and new training. you can call public safety for an escort if you don't like walking alone at night and you can always see a car driving around making sure nothing is happening. they even drive past the off campus housing as well as the on-campus housing and class buildings all night long

Greek Life

there is no frat or sorority presence on campus. this in my opinion is a great thing

Clubs and Activities

you name it wilkes has it and if wilkes does not have it get a small group of friends toghether and you can create any club you wish!

Great for these types of students

wilkes is great for the student who works better in small class sizes, you get personal attention more often than any larger school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

a few of the buildings on campus are said to be haunted... take that or leave it at your own belief. most of the buildings on campus unless recently built all have some sort of historical significance to the town of wilkes barre around it

Bang for the buck

sure the tuition is a little pricey but most students if any, pay the full sticker price as teh school gives away ALOT of money in financial aid. you have the chance to get plenty of 1 on 1 attention with your professors and the school offers free tutoring as well.

What to do for fun

the mall is within a 10 min. drive from campus and one can easily walk a couple blocks to the movie theater, or a little bit further to the bowling alley. the local YMCA has free admission for wilkes students and free classes like zumba or spinning classes, along with a pool and a full gym.

Food and Dining

the food isnt the best food in the world but its tolerable for a school food and some say its better that most schools foods.

Dorm Life

the dorms are all nice in old buildings mansion style, apartment style, and more. each dorm has wifi, a lounge a kitchen and free laundry ( alot of schools you need to pay to do laundry)

Academic Rigor

depending on your major the classes can range from difficult to extremely difficult and there are some normal to easy classes as well but difficulty of classes is in the eye of the beholder. what may be hard to some comes naturally to others.

Tips for prospective students

if you plan on coming here, come during an open house weekend take the tours try the food even see if you can shadow a student for a couple of days see how you like it here. don't be afraid to ask questions. stop a current student and ask questions most will be glad to answer you.

In three sentences

Wilkes University is a small campus with friendly students and professors. the classes will challenge you enough that you get your moneys worth, the campus also isnt too far from the movie theatre , bowling alley , and within driving distance of the mall.

Molly from Auburn, PA

The Wyoming Valley Mall, Movies 14, Wilkes-Barre Public Square, or my favorite a sunset walk along the bridge on campus that overlooks the Susquehanna River.

Food and Dining

As of all cafeteria food it has its good points as well as bad. But overall they try very hard to be attentive to student suggestions.

Dorm Life

I only lived one year on campus for financial reasons. That would be my only complaint on dorm living at Wilkes, it is a little pricey. But, other than that, the ResLife department takes the socialization and protection of students very seriously. Most of all we have brilliant resident assistants. All are friendly and involved with the students they oversee.

Academic Rigor

As a private university, Wilkes holds itself to a higher academic standard. So expect it to be true to that fact.

Tips for prospective students

Do not underestimate college. You cannot study an hour before an exam and still pass. It just isn't going to happen. This is your education you're investing in your future, so take it as something of great seriousness.

In three sentences

Wilkes has a high level of inter-student camaraderie. Among the members of campus there is respect for each person who sets foot there. Academically, it challenges me even though I am considered by many who know me well to be very smart.

Toni from Wilkes-Barre, PA

06/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

10 of 27

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

They are very big on campus saftey especially of the location. they have patrols patrolling campus 24/7. they even have a number to call if you need a ride back , need someone to walk you to your dorm or wait for a ride at night. They have yellow poles around campus that if something happens you press a button and someone will be there asap.

Clubs and Activities

Wilkes University has multiple clubs and activities too mant to name in the fall semester they have a club day where all the clubs go on the greenway where they give out free stuff like t-shirts etc.

Great for these types of students

i think campus is a type for all students. i am the quiet shy type and i keep t to myself mostly, and i see alot of people having fun with others play frisbee or socer on the green way or etc

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A big location on campus is tghe green way where mostly the fun is taking place during the nive weather you find student playing frisbee, football or soccer, laying on a blanket under a tree studying or reading. Also the library it is always packed of students studying, that it is hard to find a seat or a computer.

Bang for the buck

Wilkes University's student development makes sure that they put on alot for the student who live on campus and off they bring a band once a year, prep rallys, bingo, cookouts, and casino,and casino noghts. Wilkes also has club hours where different clubs get together, or the bring certain things in for the students to do for example ritas ice cream, blood drives, bake sales, etc. the university is big on students that come from other countries that they have certain days that they get everyone who wants to come to an event that serves dinner of that country for example indian, egyption, arabic

What to do for fun

Willkes Campus is close to the square (walking distances) where you can go shopping, the school bookstore, farmers market, Dunkin donuts, Boscovs, movies, and many food places where you can get discounts if you show your school ID.

Food and Dining

The food on campus is amazing, they have a food court but also two cafe's around campus also they have a snack center in the science building where if you dont have time you can stop there to grab something quick. i perfer Rifkin Cafe, thats where i always eat, and spend my free time.

Dorm Life

i am a commutetr student

Academic Rigor

Wilkes University have high academic ratings and i agree. The professors do teach very well. As a science major they challenge us alot, most professor teach as if we have out agrees already. Sure its challenging, but possible.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you put your mind into what you want to do. Dont fool around and waste your time parting, study your heart out you will need it, it isnt as easy as you think. Never give up on what your dreams are, follow your dreams and dont let other bring you down on you choices.

In three sentences

Wilkes University is a very good school, a wide range of races alsoreligions and races, so you get a little bit og knowlege about other . The Professors and other campus workers are down to earth and are willing to help out with anything and do whatever it takes to help. Classes are difficult, but what is the point of learning if you dont have a Challenge.

Allison

06/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

12 of 27

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Blue light system is at every door on campus, the actual office is right there too. Every door is a swipe at night. I feel pretty safe, even though the area is a little sketchy, not going to lie. You just need to know where not to go and travel in a group, and you can always call public safety if you need a chaperone.

Greek Life

None, except for two pharmacy ones.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for almost anything and they all do at least one community service event each semester. The rest of the events are totally up to the club and usually do not cost a lot. Paintball, rock climbing, snowboarding, radio shows, TV shows, newspaper, Spanish, relay for life, debate, commuters, Programming Board and many more.

Great for these types of students

People who do not really want to be just another face in the crowd, people interested in a science, people who really like the family-style mansion idea, people interested in a graphic design program that is a little more than just an art degree, people who are not scared off by our mascot, people who like a smaller class size and like talking to their professors.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Wilkes holds a ghost tour each year that tells the stories of the ghostsin the mansions. It is very interesting, and they even set up one of the houses like a haunted house.

Bang for the buck

If you get a scholarship then it is manageable. We get a lot of reduced prices on trips and all the things to do on campus. Do not buy or return your books to the bookstore. Use a website, amazon is always a good idea.

What to do for fun

There are tons of restaurants and bars right on Public Square - all within a walkable distance from campus. Wilkes is always having events - from paint parties, dinners, club events, concerts - all of which are either free or very cheap. We get $3 movie tickets every week and reduced bowling tickets. We get a free membership to the YMCA which offers the pool, the gym, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, etc. There are also intermural sports and clubs to get involved with. The theatre puts on really good plays a couple times a year. Some clubs run trips to Philly and NYC for really cheap-usually $25 for the day. Freshmen CAN have cars so you can go anywhere with that too.

Food and Dining

The cafe is pretty big. They have a lot of different foods to choose from - Italian, classics(which are chicken patties and hamburgers), Vegetarian, and International. All of these change daily as well as the specials. There will almost always be seating and if you are sick they let you (or your housemate) take home food in a box for you. There is also a couple cafes in a couple of the buildings that have quesadillas and sandwiches and other little stuff for on the go.

Dorm Life

There are many Victorian mansions you can stay in here. The rooms inside are huge and usually accommodate 2 to 3 people, although you can also ask for a single. They are just like a house, so you have 2 to 3 floors of people in your building and you really get to know each other fast. For upperclassmen, they have University towers. This is almost exactly like a normal apartment complex - complete with kitchenette and balcony. You can get apartments off campus too-which are basically just down the street from the school.

Academic Rigor

You need a 1.5 to pass a class and get it to count for your major (usually.) It is not hard-go to class, take notes, show up for exams. Usually you get up to 3 absences before the professor starts lowering your grade-and since they are smaller classes (my biggest so far was 35-although sciences are about 100 students) they can tell if you are gone. That way professors really get to know you though, and you're not just another face in the crowd.

Tips for prospective students

Don't slack off senior year. Go to open houses (and actually participate if they have events!) Go to the Wilkes VIP day if you are accepted. Meet people at the open houses and talk to them about what colleges their looking at. Try your best on the SATs or ACTs, they are a huge part of the scholarship offers.

In three sentences

Wilkes is on the smaller side, but you will meet a lot of great people and have a lot to do outside of class. They have unusual dorms that have huge rooms and are like a little family. There are more majors here than just pharmacy, I promise.

Mansion Style. Very family oriented. The Housing Department does an excellent job of matching personalities.

Academic Rigor

Strong professors that are approachable and are interested in helping you succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus. Speak with current students.

In three sentences

Wilkes University is a small private campus of about 2,500 students that provides students with assistance in helping them be successful with their studies by offering tutoring, guidance counseling and activities at the campus to ensure students are comfortable and want to be successful.

Nguyen from Allentown, PA

12/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 of 27

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Since it's located right in the city, the school do not arm their security with firearm. They use the Wilkes-Barre PD. But they do have public safety. They are fully trained and certified. They do patrols around campus on foot and bike 24/7. The dorms are secure. Some dorms have two checkpoints to get through to even reach any rooms. There are panic boxes everywhere. There have been minimum to no accidents every semester. Sometimes safety is too emphasized that it gets a little annoying.

Greek Life

None

Clubs and Activities

Various clubs and activities. There is even a paintball club. There is an adventure club.

Great for these types of students

If you are looking for the movie college experience. As in, big parties and crazy nights...Wilkes is NOT for you. There are parties, but not those big college parties.

Since Wilkes University is right in the middle of the City of Wilkes-Barre there are a lot of things to do for fun. A movie theater is 1 block away from the university. The university offer $3 movie tickets instead of the regular price, $10, move tickets. There is the Wyoming Valley mall and various shopping squares located in Wilkes-Barre township. It's a 5-10 minute drive. Barnes and Noble bookstore, 3 blocks away, serves as the University bookstore. It also has a star bucks. Chacko's Bowling alley is a 5 minute drive. The university offers free bowling tickets. A skating rink. The mohengan sun arena is a 5-10 minutes drive away. For those that are or will be turning 21, there are numerous bars within a 3 block radius of the university. They are cheap since a majority of their customers are college students.

Food and Dining

Food is good for about a month. Then it just taste like whatever. There are multiple dining areas on campus. The Student Union Building Cafeteria is the main food hub. It has an all you can eat buffet on various food items. Also catering to vegetarians. Salad bars available. Then there is Rifkin Cafe. They serve deli items. They also have snacks and coffee. Gambini Cafe provides breakfast and light lunch items.

Dorm Life

The university mandates that all freshman and sophomore have to live on campus. The campus is small. Therefore, everyone who lives on campus knows each other. The dorms have been renovated for a modern look. There are various mansion style buildings on campus. They still have their historic looks, with some modern adjustments. There are co-ed dorms and single gender dorms. The university also bought an apartment complex many years back. It has 12 floors + PH. Students that live on campus are close and tight knit. Since the university mandates that freshman and sophomore must live on campus, there is no worry about not making friends.

Academic Rigor

Professors are dedicated to their students. They want to see them succeed. So they make the courses challenging and forces students to explore new things and ideas. They are not narrowed minded. Instead, they like to see new student perspective on different subjects. The university expects excellence. Minimum GPA for freshman is 1.7. Minimum GPA for upperclassman is 2.0.

Tips for prospective students

Use all of the services the University has to offer. They offer a lot. So make sure you use them all. That includes free freshman lectures on how to be successful in college. The lectures include note taking, test taking, study aides, and more. Get to know all of your professors. Talk to them. You never know when you will need letters or career networks. Stay on top of your studies. It's very important for freshman to start off strong. If you are lacking, there are many places to seek help. That includes the professor and tutors.

In three sentences

A little pricey for those who are going for liberal arts. Engineering, pharmacy, and nursing programs are excellent at Wilkes University. The small enrollment means you get to know EVERYONE on campus.

They allow students to create their own clubs and Wilkes University supports students clubs.

Great for these types of students

Enjoy seeing the same familiar faces very often.

Bang for the buck

The activities the clubs plan for students to join.

What to do for fun

They always offer a lot of clubs that allow students to engage in.

Food and Dining

Wilkes University offers diverse food.

Dorm Life

The RA's are very caring.

Academic Rigor

There is plenty of help offered for students.

Tips for prospective students

Begin to buckle down and get serious with deadlines because procrastination is not an option when you are in college. The key to achieving your goal of good grades is studying two hours for each hour you are in class.

In three sentences

Wilkes University offers great class size, the student to faculty ratio is similar to high school. Also, the faculty are extremely dedicated to the students. Finally, the environment is a great place for the educational atmosphere.

Many to choose from, almost too many to do all that you want to do. There is a big club day where every club offered has a table set up and you go around and sign up for the clubs that you wish to participate in that school year. Pretty neat.

Great for these types of students

Wilkes is great for the students that cannot focus in a large classroom and need one on one attention. It is also good for the students that want to know their professors personally.

Bang for the buck

I love Wilkes because I have really found something I like there, but I do think that it could be less expensive since everything is not yet updated. Although, they do give the students a lot of really cheap things such as $3 movie tickets to a really nice theater, etc.

What to do for fun

Wilkes constantly has events planned for hours in between classes and hours after classes. For example, they love to plan ropes courses in the UCOM building. They are really fun too. There are a ton of different clubs to join that meet during set aside hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. No classes are scheduled on those two days between 11 and 1 because those two hours are set aside for club time.

Food and Dining

The food is good. There are three different places to eat on campus with plenty of options, they are just pretty expensive like any other college. There are also many different places to eat about two blocks from campus. Any kind of cuisine is a short walk away...I love that!

Dorm Life

I actually commute to school. The commuting is very easy and not hard at all to find a parking space because of the new parking garage addition to campus. I have heard from many friends that they love their dorms, especially the ones in the old mansions. They are something unique from the usual block walled dorm rooms.

Academic Rigor

Everyone at Wilkes pushes you to strive for more than you are striving for already. There is no easy path, everything requires 110% at this school in order to receive good grades. It will end up paying off in the end.

Tips for prospective students

This is a great school to attend for the sciences. There is a huge addition in the process of being built right now. It is expected to be finished in three years. There are small classes and the teachers really strive to know you and interact with you. I have not had a teacher that has refused to help when I needed help.

In three sentences

This is a great, small, private school. There are small, concentrated classes for the one on one teaching experience. Everyone at Wilkes acts like a big family including faculty.

Taylor from Hanover Twp, PA

06/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

21 of 27

Categories

Comments

Tips for prospective students

Study, study, study!

In three sentences

Overall I like Wilkes a lot, there is a lot to do around the campus and the overall teaching is decent. The nursing program is hard, but it is meant to be, you are going to have peoples lives in your hands.

Danielle from Leesport, PA

This is a great school for students interested in majoring in Pharmacy, Nursing, or Engineering. It is also ideal for students looking for a small, close-knit, university campus.

Tips for prospective students

I highly recommend visiting this beautiful campus several times before starting classes so that you can really get a feel for the university's atmosphere. While at school, I also suggest meeting with the professors one on one (even if you think you know the material) because it will give you more confidence about your knowledge and it will also provide you with a greater relationship between you and your professor. Also, take advantage of the free tutoring services on campus and don't be afraid to ask the upperclassmen or your Teaching Assistants for help and advice.

Bang for the buck

There are lots of great opportunities for students at very cheap (or FREE) prices. These exciting school events include Homecoming, several Casino Nights, Winter Weekend, Spring Fling, a Block Party, and more! At these events, several prizes and FREE giveaways are often available for students. There are also hiking, biking, rock climbing, and other outdoor events through the campus's Adventure Club with little to no cost. Other free fun events include the opportunity to see hypnotists, comedians, magicians, etc. Furthermore, FREE bowling passes, FREE gym memberships to the YMCA, discounted movie tickets, and discounted bus trips to NYC and Philadelphia are available to all interested students. The chance to have fun for practically no cost to you is almost always a possibility as long as you are willing to take advantage of these great opportunities!

Am enjoying being here

It is a very beautiful, small, and walkable community for students. While freshmen CAN have cars on campus if they desire, there is a small parking fee and some may find that a vehicle is not exactly necessary for this small campus. The open Greenway (between the two main classroom buildings) is also a place for relaxing in the sun, while the many events in the Student Union Building serve as a great opportunity for socialization. The dorms are also a place to socialize and make friends if you live on campus. Also, since it is a much smaller campus than most, it is very close-knit and you may soon find yourself knowing everyone in your grade (especially in your major) by name.

Am learning a lot

Lots of the classes are very small so there is more one on one interaction with the professors. Also, several of my professors really strived to help my classmates and I so that we could further expand our knowledge. It's not purely a matter of memorizing, you actually begin to explore and understand the information in front of you. This can be challenging to some, but for me it has really perked my curiosity and interest in many subjects.

Samantha from Wilkes Barre, PA

This school is great for people looking at pharmacy, nursing, or engineering as a career. Great pharmacy and nursing programs and many types of engineering.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early, especially if applying for a guaranteed seat. Do not blow off your senior year of high school, grades still play a role in college acceptance.

Bang for the buck

Offers the best scholarships. I got more than $50,000. Offers many great trips for students at really low prices. Movie tickets are available for $3 and include free popcorn. Trips to haunted houses for Halloween and New York for shopping. Free plays on campus as well as comedians, hypnotists, events with lots of free food. And probably the best event is Casino Night where you get in for free, get free food and drinks and can win awesome prizes. Prizes include: Macbook Pro, 40 HD TV, purses from Dooney and Burke and Coach, Tiffany's jewelry, digital cameras, i-pod touches, new i-pod nanos, Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Flip, external hard drive, and home theater! There are seriously some amazing prizes and you can win them for free!

Am enjoying being here

Small community, can walk many places so you don't need a car. But if you want a car, first year students CAN have them. Small campus, so very close to people. Know almost everyone in your class by name. Lots of socials and events to hang out with friends and have fun and win stuff. Beautiful campus, lots of old mansions. I feel pretty secure as well, public safety always patrolling campus.

Am learning a lot

The classes are small, so better one on one with teachers. Teachers are very personable and helpful. Can get tutors for free or see teachers during office hours for help. Study sessions are also available to review and discuss information for tests.

Cappex is the company behind CollegeGreenlight.com.

College Greenlight is a service provided by Cappex.com, a leading college search website that has relationships with hundreds of colleges nationwide and years of experience helping millions of students achieve their college dreams.